“She is usually portrayed in art with a cow lying at her feet, or holding a cross and casting out the devil. Her emblem is a lighted lamp or candle (not to be confused with Saint Geneviève, who was not an abbess). At times she may be shown with a flame over her; with geese near her; next to a barn; letting wax from a taper fall upon her arm; or restoring a man’s hand. Brigid is the patron saint of poets, dairymaids, blacksmiths, healers, cattle, fugitives, Irish nuns, midwives, and new-born babies. She is highly venerated in Alsace, Flanders, and Portugal, as well as Ireland and Chester, England.
Feast Day is February 1st
The known facts about St. Brigid of Kildare are few, but she is revered as one of Ireland’s three patron saints (along with Patrick and Columba). What we do know is that she was a fifth-century nun who founded the Abbey of Kildare, southwest of Dublin. Both monks and nuns lived there, and many accounts record that Brigid served as superior of both the men and women. In any event, the Abbey of Kildare contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity throughout Ireland at a time when traditional Irish religion was disappearing.
Many miracles have been attributed to Brigid. What is more certain is that she was an extraordinary woman who was known especially for her generosity to the poor. Because of the prominence the Abbey of Kildare gained under Brigid’s leadership, she is considered the special patron of scholars. Her feast day is observed on February 1.
from Saint of the Day Lives, Lessons and Feast, By Leonard Foley, O.F.M.; revised by Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
Prayer for a Heavenly Feast
I wish I had a great lake of ale for the King of kings, and the family of heaven to drink it through time eternal. I wish I had the meats of belief and genuine piety, the flails of penance, and the men of heaven in my house. I would like keeves of peace to be at their disposal, vessels of charity for distribution, caves of mercy for their company, and cheerfulness to be in their drinking. I would want Jesus also to be in their midst, together with the three Marys of illustrious renown, and the pople of heaven from all parts. I would like to be a tenant to the Lord, so if I should suffer distress, he would confer on me a blessing. Amen.
Saint Brigid of Kildare
Two Hearts – One Love